Well, breastfeeding has not been going well with Emily and I, and I'm really just on the verge of giving up.
Ever since she was born though, breastfeeding has been pretty important to me. I mean, its made me feel good that I can at least supply her with something that would be custom made just for her.
I havent been able to make enough mild to keep up with her though, and most of her meals through out the day are now formula.
I feel like such a failure for now being able to breastfeed her....

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Sorry you are having such a hard time. Have you talked to an LC? {{{hugs}}}

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You ultimately have to make the right decision for you and it will be ok whatever you decide.

If you want encouragement to stick with it, I can offer this: I don't really believe the idea that as many women as are told by their docs "aren't making enough milk." If you stick to just breastfeeding, your milk will rise to the occasion. If you feel you have to supplement, perhaps try a SMS where she is still suckling at the breast so that you are stimulating milk production. It is very tough for most of us! so you are not alone. If you are determined and decide to stick with it, I am sure it will eventually get easier.

I had two weeks of tears and angst and crying that my dd hated my nipples (lol!), but there was no way I was giving up, and after that period, I nursed her exclusively (no formula) for 16 months, and it was so easy! If you would have asked me if it would ever be easy at the end of that first week, I wouldn't have been able to imagine that it would be anything but agonizing, so I certainly feel your pain.

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Teya, DH Scott & DD Ainsley

Massachusetts Portrait Photography

My milk did not rise to the occasion, I'm sure that is the case with some, and maybe even most, but not all. I exclusively breastfed for the 1st 7 weeks, and even though I was nursing every 2 hours even through the night, (we had to set an alarm and wake the baby) I was taking herbs and pumping in between, in other words doing everything I could to get my milk up, and my doctor was very encouraging of this he thought it would rise to the occasion to, but at 7 weeks, my DD still had not gotten back to birth weight and I was so physically and emotionally tired that I was near a breakdown, and we just quit, I could not do it anymore and it was hurting her more than helping her. If it's not working, it's not working and you are the only one who can decide when you are ready to be done. It's not worth your mental health. Don't worry, you'll make the right decision for you and baby.

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Amy

oh i think one can have a low milk supply. I simple didnt get enough for ds. So, I switched to formula at 5 weeks. nothing wrong with that. And dont feel bad because of it. It is hard enought with a newborn. And you dont want to be starving her either. She got what she needed from you. DS did as well too... And I plan on doing the same with Parker. I will bf.... and if i cant i will suplement til i switch.

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I certainly didn't intend to sound like nursing will work for everyone, just that I do believe that many doctors are reactionary about baby's weight (based on formula-fed baby charts), and you can't always trust them to tell you the right decision, and also that evolutionarily speaking, I believe that most women can definitely produce what their babies need...you have to make your own mind when you weigh all the information. It will all work out whatever you choose!

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Teya, DH Scott & DD Ainsley

Massachusetts Portrait Photography

I'm sorry it's so hard! and it is hard - even when things are going relatively well. I hope you are feeling better about things soon however they go. You are a wonderful mother to care so much!

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Sorry to hear that your having such issues breastfeeding. Maybe you should try contacting a local breastfeeding group or maybe having a LC come to your house.

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